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Dave Connell's side have produced some memorable moments throughout the tournament but will now have to settle for competing for a bronze medal on Friday.
Containing a large representation of their senior team who are ranked 13th in the FIFA World Rankings, North Korea proved to be too good for an Irish side who had been the lowest ranked University team in the tournament.
Ireland fell behind on 15 minutes when Hae Yon Ri’s cross found Jong Sim Wi seven yards out and despite McQuillan pulling off a quick reflex save to deny the Korean, Wi tapped the ball in from close range.
Ri doubled the lead for North Korea just before the half-hour mark when Wi returned the favour and slipped in her teammate to slot the ball past McQuillan at the near post.
Ireland had a couple of opportunities to reduce the advantage in the first half with some inswinging free-kicks from dangerous positions from Smyth-Lynch and Farrelly testing the gloves of keeper Yong Sim Yang who took two attempts to gather the midfielder’s effort.
Ri got her second goal just on the hour mark before Wi added further pain to the Irish when her effort took a wicked deflection and flew past McQuillan. So Yon Jon finished proceedings with a free kick on the edge of the box that flew into the top corner.
Ireland will have to regroup ahead of their final game of the Universiade on Friday when they take on either Japan or Russia in the Bronze Medal Game in Benevento.
Ireland: McQuillan, Dwyer (McNamara 62), Fox, Doyle, Mustaki, Farrelly, Kelly (McGuinness HT), Smyth-Lynch (Craven 55), Gargan (O’Callaghan 69), Ryan-Doyle, Meaney.
Referee: Graziella Pirriatorre (Italy)
2019 FISU Summer Universiade Women’s Football – Results
Ireland 1-0 Brazil
Ireland 2-1 South Korea
QF: Ireland 0-0 China – Ireland win 4-1 on penalties
SF: Ireland 0-5 North Korea
2019 FISU Summer Universiade Women’s Football – Bronze Medal Fixture
12/7 Ireland v Russia or Japan, Stadio Ciro Vigorito, 5pm (4pm Irish Time)
